Vintage French Country Nightstand

 



Hello Cottage Friends,


I hope the new year is off to a good start for you. I've had some challenges, which I'm not going to elaborate on now. I'm more interested in showing you my latest thrift store score: an amazing Ethan Allen French Country Nightstand from the 1990's for only $20!


For about a year I've been scouring the thrift stores and vintage markets for a french country nightstand to place on the left side of my bed. When I relocated to Colorado I brought a few pieces of furniture with me, including this vintage wicker chest from Pier 1.



I found it, with the glass, on Facebook Marketplace for $25. It's in perfect condition, and I absolutely love its whitewashed wood cup handles and trim. Since I'm not a person who's hung up on everything matching in a room, I wasn't bothered by the thought of adding another nightstand of a different style. The only thing I knew for certain is that I wanted something with a french country vibe. But finding something that satisfied my vision required patience. Lots and lots of patience. Every time I went into my local thrift stores I'd swing by the furniture section hoping to find something. And every time I left empty handed.


Until last week.


Mind you, I had just been in this particular thrift store the day before and didn't find anything. However, a little voice inside told me to pop in for a moment and see if there was anything new. 


There was.


My heart skipped a beat when I bent down and looked at the price tag. $20! At first I thought it was a mistake. I had opened the drawer and saw that it was made by Ethan Allen, so I took a closer look and noticed that a decorative piece on the bottom of the nightstand had broken off and was taped on.





For me this was not a deal breaker. I could see that piece was intact and could easily be glued back on, and I know how to do that. Wood glue and I are old friends. Aside from that one defect, the nightstand was in perfect condition.


Now, as I was standing in front of the nightstand, two other women were circling around looking at "my" find. I held my ground, even though there was no store associate in site. I just kind of nudged the nightstand away from that area and closer to the door of the backroom, where I hoped I could get someone's attention. I knew even if I had to wait all afternoon for help, I was not going to leave without that piece in my vehicle. 


So, eventually the other customers walked away, and I was close enough to the door to push it open and call out for some help. Within seconds a nice young man came out and wrote a ticket for me to take to the front desk. The nightstand was mine!


I did some research online and found this same nightstand is selling for $500 - $600. 


I am so happy with this nightstand. There will be a paint job in its future, as the color in real life is actually more of a buttercream yellow than white, and it clashes with my bedding. I will leave the stained wood top as is. I think it's maple, and it is stunning. I'm amazed at its condition. No watermarks or scratches.  



So, for now I'll be living with my pretty new vintage french country nightstand as is. I've got so many projects in the works that I just can't add another one right now. Seriously, you don't now the half of what I've got on my plate. Mainly because I just don't post enough. I'm trying to change that in 2022.


Hugs,








24 comments

  1. That is a perfect find for you. I love it! I've done the same at thrift shops. Never leave your treasure alone!
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  2. Hi Nancy!!!
    Great find. Easily goes with your other nightstand. Don't you just love when you finally hit on the perfect piece after looking for a while.
    I hope none of your challenges have to do with the recent weather or fires in your state....Be Safe!!!
    Have a great rest of your weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Addie. I do love finding the "perfect piece", and its worth waiting for. This one was especially satisfying. :) I haven't been affected by the fires. My challenge has to do with the freezing temperatures. My water pipes froze over the New Year's weekend when the overnight low was -9 degrees. Fortunately, God warmed up the temperatures a day or so later and my pipes thawed. Now I'm letting water trickle from all my faucets 24x7 to keep that from happening again. I'm so thankful that there were no burst pipes. Have a great week! xx

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  3. SCORE! Oh my gosh that is a great bargain. Good for you to stand your ground and claim this piece. I can see you painting it and bringing it to even a prettier place in your bedroom. Happy New Week. xoxo Kris

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  4. Nice score on the nightstand.

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  5. While French country vintage isn't my style, I can see the amazing beauty in this nightstand. And for $20! Amazing find!

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    1. Certain French country style can be a little too fussy for my taste. I'm not into a lot of the ornate elements I see in homes. My style is more shabby chic/French farmhouse. Kind of rustic. That's what I'm most drawn too. Anything that stirs up that romantic feel. I'd love to know if you have a particular style that speaks to you. xx

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    2. Actually, I love mid century modern. And beach cottage. Can you combine the two?

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    3. Yes, you can. Here's an example of a home that mixes mid-century modern with beachy cottage, and I think it's beautiful: https://blog.modsy.com/trends/home-tours/modern-coastal-decor-beach-house-interior-design/

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  6. It is definitely an amazing piece of quality furniture for next to nothing but the trouble of getting in the car without someone else walking away with it. and of course, the work you will end up doing with it. I think the maple top looks perfect, so that would be a nice piece of craftmanship to leave unpainted. It sounds as if you are working too hard at having fun, maybe? With crafting? Happy New Year to you, Nancy. Don't overload yourself though. Lynn and Precious

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    1. Thanks, Lynn. I wouldn't say I'm overloaded. There are, however, always things that need attention. When I find a good deal on something it usually involves a makeover, and that sometimes has to wait awhile. So, that's what I mean by not adding another project. After all, I'm still working on getting the rest of my kitchen cabinets painted. LOL!

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  7. Wow Nancy! Your patience won! I could just picture you guarding that nightstand from those other ladies... so funny! It is so perfect and I can imagine you'll make it even better with your magic hands! Happy Sunday to you.. hope it's nice there. It's a sunny day here with blue sky, but kind of chilly. Sorry your plate is full.. hope all is well. Hugs.. Marilyn

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    1. It was actually pretty funny, Marilyn. :D I literally moved that nightstand little by little away from the rest of the furniture by nudging it with my leg. It was too heavy to pick up and put in my cart, or carry up to the front. I'm sure there were other customers who thought I was crazy. Hah!

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  8. A pretty nightstand and you got a great price!! (I don't have to have matching furniture either.) Have a wonderful 2022 ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thank you, Lorraine. I hope 2022 is a great year for you! xx

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  9. Ooooh, how perfect! Seriously love when that happens! This is so fun - watching you “dress” your space!
    (((Hug))) Linda

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    1. Well, you've certainly been through a number of space dressing episodes with me in the past, haven't you? Happy New Year, my friend! xx

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  10. Love that sweet nightstand. I did the same thing with a console table at a thrift store one time. I guarded it while my Hubby found an employee. Meanwhile, three women tried to come up and take it.
    Your bedroom is such a pretty place
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Thank you, Betsy. I do think this particular bedroom is more "me" than any other I've ever had. Love your console table story. Having another person on hand to fetch an employee is ideal. So glad it worked out for you! Hugs.

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  11. Twenty dollars?? Wow, no wonder there were others circling. That's a crazy good price, even with a teeny broken piece. I know you can repair it, Nancy and I can't wait to see what you do with it...when you get the time. I hope all of your "other" things going on are happy distractions. Always thinking of you, my friend. xxo Hugs!

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  12. Oh, wow! Imagine if you hadn't listened to that still, small voice nudging you to go back into that same store! Think of what you would have missed out on. This is just beautiful! I can't believe you got it for $20! God is so good to grant us the desires of our hearts so often. His love is never-ending for us, and He shows it in so many ways. I am so happy for you, sweet friend! I trust your health issues are gone forever and may 2022 be your best year yet! I can't wait to hear about all your other projects - you are so talented and do such beautiful work.

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  13. Well done Nancy, another little gem and a great bargain :-)

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